U.S. Troops, Al-Sadr Militants Clash: "Coalition troops battled militiamen loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in several Iraqi cities Friday, the second day of fighting that has shattered truces to end a widespread rebellion two months ago."

Saudi forces arrest a top terror suspect: "Saudi police arrested a top Saudi terror suspect, officials said Friday, weeks after the al-Qaida-linked cleric reassured followers he was "taking all necessary precautions" to evade a government sweep."

4 Lebanese truck drivers missing in Iraq: "Four Lebanese truck drivers are missing in Iraq, the Foreign Ministry said Friday. Contacts are underway to find out whether the four have been kidnapped, a ministry official said, speaking on customary condition of anonymity."

Coalition Troops Battle Al-Sadr: "Coalition troops for the second day in a row are battling militiamen loyal to radical Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr, whose aides are calling on the U.N. and the Iraqi government to help them restore a truce."

U.S. Says Security Preventing New Troops for Iraq: "The United States hopes nationswill contribute troops by next month to a new force to guardU.N. staff in Iraq but U.S. Ambassador John Danforthacknowledged on Thursday volunteers were scarce. (Reuters)"

Light blogging for a couple of days: "Just got back from an overnight embed and I'm exhausted. No sleep for last two days (more or less.) And I've got to file for TIME and another draft due on a story I'm working on. So it will be light here for a couple of days. Oh, and I just spent an hour deleting about 100 spam messages. Jesus, I hate you guys. You can't get on the board, so just stop trying, OK?..."

Fighting Flares in Iraq's North: "BAGHDAD - Insurgents and Iraqi security forces battled in Mosul on Wednesday, leaving at least 22 people dead in a northern city often cited as a success story in restoring order to Iraq. (Los Angeles Times)"

Fierce Clashes in Iraqi Holy City of Najaf: "U.S. marines and Iraqi security forcesfought fierce battles with supporters of radical Shi'ite clericMoqtada al-Sadr in the holy city of Najaf on Thursday, withmarines calling in helicopters for backup, witnesses said. (Reuters)"

Iraq TodayTop Iraqi cleric condemns church bombings: "Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric on Monday condemned as "hideous crimes" the coordinated bomb attacks on five churches in Baghdad and Mosul that killed 11 people and marked the first major attacks Iraq's minority Christians since the insurgency began."

Foreign forces in Iraq have caused severe damage to the site of ancient Babylon, one of the world's most renowned archaeological treasures, and need to leave the area as soon as possible, Iraq's Culture Minister Mofeed al-Jazaeri said. Heavy equipment, helicopters and other machinery used by Polish-led forces based at Babylon, 100 kilometres south of Baghdad, are causing irreparable harm, Mr Jazaeri said. " Just their presence, with their heavy equipment, is harmful in and of itself ," the minister told Reuters, saying that helicopters landing and taking off were a particular problem. [?] Describing anecdotal accounts of the damage, Mr Jazaeri said ancient roofs and walls had collapsed and buildings had decayed. He also said that workers employed by United States contracting firm Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR), a subsidiary of Halliburton, had been digging and building in the area around Babylon, causing further damage. [?] Polish commanders and KBR representatives were not immediately available for comment. Iraqi officials raised the issue of the Babylon damage in June with the former US governor in Iraq, Paul Bremer, and the former coalition commander, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, who issued a statement saying they were aware of the complaints.

Iraq Government Blames Zarqawi for Church Bombings: "Iraq's government blamed al Qaeda allyAbu Musab al-Zarqawi on Monday for a series of church bombingsthat killed at least 11 people, saying the aim was to sparkreligious strife and drive Christians out of the country. (Reuters)"

Blasts on Iraqi Christian Churches Kill 11: "Assailants launched the first major attack on Iraq's minority Christians since the insurgency began, triggering a coordinated series of explosions outside five churches in Baghdad and Mosul that killed 11 people and injured more than 50. (AP)"

Terrorism Suspects Traced to Iran: "PARIS - Despite its periodic crackdowns on the terrorist network, Iran has served as a refuge for Al Qaeda operatives suspected of plotting attacks in Europe and the Middle East and of playing a central role in the Iraqi insurgency, European investigators say. (Los Angeles Times)"

"We're coming with a mighty force to end the reign of your
oppressors," Bush said, addressing Iraqis who might be
listening from afar. "We are coming to bring you food and
medicine and a better life. And we are coming and we will
not stop, we will not relent until your country is free."
We are very proud of you,Keep your helmet on!

Soldiers Blogs Messages and Breaking News
Support Your Troops ! Many brave soldiers will be far from home during the holidays please help us support them through it.SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
E-Mail Us for more information brandonblog@aol.com